Alaska Airlines computer glitches bug customers seeking deals

Alaska Airlines passengers were scratching their heads when they found that a promotional deal offered by the airline via email Tuesday was already expired when they tried to book it.

Another glitch was also reported on the airline website Monday, but Alaska Airlines officials said all the problems is being fixed.

The website problems represent the second time in a few weeks that a major airline has been beset by computer glitches and programing errors.

In late December, Delta Air Lines was forced to honor super-cheap ticket prices offered on the airline's website because of a computer problem.

On Tuesday, Alaska Airlines passengers complained on Facebook and Twitter about an offer that came via email for a 5% discount on airline tickets purchased by Jan. 13. But when they tried to book the deals, the Alaska Airlines website told many travelers that the offer had expired Monday.

Airline spokeswoman Bobbie Egan said the problem with the email discount offer had to do with an erroneous date that was punched into the airline's booking software. But she said Alaska Airlines will honor tickets booked for the deal by Jan. 13.

She also said that an earlier system upgrade led to another glitch in the reservation system.